Last Thursday we got our vegetable gardens all planted. It was a long day’s work, but it was a very good distraction so the worry about Sherman did not overwhelm me. It got me thinking about things I do to avoid being overwhelmed by something else. Okay, confession time… there are even things I do so I can avoid doing something I don’t want to do at all (i.e. procrastinating.)
Thing One:
Gardening is one of my favorite early morning things to do. No phones, no texts, totally unplugged – just me, the dirt, and the plants. It is the best therapy I can think of for highly stressful situations. Plants are wonderful listeners and are completely non-judgmental, and birds riotously singing lifts even the saddest spirit. Even weeds can be a good thing… they are the perfect target of frustrations and aggression. And, last week when my worry level was off the charts, they provided a balm to my ragged spirits with a bonus of a sense of great accomplishment at the end of the day when the garden beds were full of tomatoes, beans, potatoes, and peppers!
Thing Two:
Knitting is my super-power, and that is a true fact. I do not like to sit “idle” at all… I am fidgety. Knitting gives my hands something to do and allows me to focus. It helps with waiting, with long car rides, and for those times when I just need to be still. Sadly, it is also the thing that helps me perfect procrastination! Knitting or dusting… I know, it is a tough choice and dusting rarely ever wins!
Thing Three:
Audio book reading/listening has really helped me amp up my reading completion numbers! It also is the best companion for walking, or making dinner, or sipping coffee in the early morning. It helps with making beds, and doing laundry, and yes – even knitting! It has also reduced the amount of time I watch television!! And, when I actually do haul out the dusting cloth – a good audio book keeps me company and I am not really focused on how much I dislike the task.
There you have my things for the day… want to see more things? Head on over to Carole’s!
You are so right — pulling weeds is a great way to get out anger or frustration! I did a bit of it myself over the long weekend and it was so satisfying.
I wish I was better able to pay attention to audio books, because I’d get so much more reading done. But my attention always wanders and I miss important things; I really need to have words to read to keep my focus. I do listen to a bunch of podcasts, but I have the same issue with focus with them (but they are good for when I’m walking to and from work or doing some boring chore).
My avoidance/coping behaviors are exactly the same! I almost always wear something with pockets to hold my ipod, and listening to audiobooks while I grocery shop has greatly improved my attitude towards that odious task. I’m forcing myself to vacuum today, and wondering if I’ll damage my hearing if I turn up my audiobook loud enough to hear over the vacuum cleaner. 🙂
Those are all very good suggestions for making the most of your time!
I have upped my game considerably with the audio book world thank goodness! And good for you…garden all planted!
Yes! We are alike like one.two.three!
Okay, we share two and three 🙂 (and a whole lot more … but dirt is just not my thing!)
I am not a gardener but I’d like to think I would be a great one if my RA cooperated. I’m finding that when I listen to my podcast while doing a job that makes the job less of a job. Sweet! I cannot wait to see your garden harvesting 🙂
I find gardening to be the most mindful of activities! Such a wonderful stress reducer. Hope you’re feeling settled, and that things are working themselves out. XO Have a great weekend.
I’m hoping to have a small patch when we get into a house. I do miss the “work”, but also the beauty.